Traditional Arts and Festivals

Izumo Kagura is a traditional sacred dance performance with a long heritage in the Izumo region. It is very popular in Unnan City, and, to this day, it is performed in local festivals and rituals. Various acts in the repertoire are inspired by Izumo mythology; the most popular act is inspired by the story of Susanoo-no-Mikoto defeating the serpent Yamata-no-Orochi that is said to have eight heads and tails.

Unnan City is also famous for beautiful cherry blossom sites. From February to April each year, cherry blossom festivals are held at several places within the city such as Harue district in Daito Town, the banks of Hii River, the Mitoya River Waterfront Park, and many more.

Daito Tanabata Festival, also known as the Star Festival, is held on 6 August every year, and proudly celebrates a 440-year-long history. The Daito area once became a battlefield, when the Mouri and Amago clans fought for control of the Tatara iron-making industry during the Sengoku (Warring States) period. Once the long battle was over, people celebrated the coming of peace by dressing bamboo branches with strips of paper decorations.